Stories from Caregivers: Susan from OHIO
OH
Susan
FROM OHIO
My mom Jean just passed. She was 103. I was blessed to have been with her holding her hand stroking her head and telling her how much I loved her and that it was ok to let go when she died. After surgery at age 97, I promised her she could stay in her own home. Although she lived in Illinois and I in Ohio, I flew in every other weekend for 4 days to relieve her caregiver. I work full time owning my own retail store. The financial burden was devastating. The physical and emotional stress aged me. My mother had dementia and was in a wheelchair. It was difficult to say the least. I was grateful I had read books and articles about dementia. But there was only one choice I could make, she is my kind loving caring nonjudgmental mother. How could I not take care of her and everything around her!! I would not trade one moment she and I spent together.... from going on picnics to people watching in the malls. I felt like a million bucks when she told me I was a good daughter, so it didn't hurt when she couldn't remember me. Sitting on the patio watching cars on the road, she said "I feel like I'm on vacation. This is so relaxing" she smiled I smiled. I felt so glad for mom. When I asked her that night at dinner if she had fun earlier, she asked "did we go out?" My moments with her........priceless. I miss you mom....I love you.
